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Computer Vision and AI in Structural Health Monitoring and Structural Engineering

  • 1st Edition - May 1, 2026
  • Latest edition
  • Authors: Cheng Liu, Yingchao Zhang, Xuebing Xu, Yan Chen
  • Language: English

Computer Vision and AI in Structural Health Monitoring and Structural Engineering explores cutting-edge approaches to SHM, integrating advancements in computer vision, artificial… Read more

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Description

Computer Vision and AI in Structural Health Monitoring and Structural Engineering explores cutting-edge approaches to SHM, integrating advancements in computer vision, artificial intelligence (AI), and multimodal technologies to revolutionize how infrastructure is monitored, maintained, and managed. Starting with the fundamentals of SHM and structural engineering, the book examines the transformative power of computer vision applications, such as crack detection, corrosion assessment, and real-time deformation analysis. It also introduces vision-language models (VLMs), enabling automated defect reporting, multimodal analysis, and natural language interfaces for SHM systems.

In an era of aging infrastructure and an increasing demand for safety, structural health monitoring (SHM) has become critical for ensuring the longevity and reliability of buildings, bridges, and other essential structures. This book explores these important concepts.

Key features

  • Provides in-depth coverage on how computer vision and AI technologies transform structural health monitoring (SHM)
  • Focuses on the emerging vision-language models that enable automated defect description, multimodal damage assessment, and natural language interfaces for SHM systems, making monitoring processes more intuitive and efficient for users
  • Features case studies on bridge monitoring systems, building inspections, and infrastructure maintenance projects, showcasing successful implementations of advanced SHM techniques
  • Explores cutting-edge technologies like 5G, edge computing, advanced sensors, and extended reality, highlighting their potential role in the future of SHM and offering readers forward-looking perspectives on the field

Readership

Academics and researchers: researchers in structural engineering, computer vision, artificial intelligence, and related fields seeking advanced knowledge and innovative approaches to structural health monitoring (SHM)

Table of contents

Part I: Fundamentals

1. Introduction

1.1 Overview of structural health monitoring (SHM)

1.2 Evolution of monitoring techniques

1.3 Current challenges in infrastructure maintenance

2. Basic Concepts

2.1 Structural engineering principles

2.2 Types of structural defects

2.3 Traditional inspection methods

2.4 Digital transformation in construction

Part II: Computer Vision in SHM

3. Computer Vision Fundamentals

3.1 Image processing basics

3.2 Feature detection and extraction

3.3 Object detection and segmentation

3.4 Deep learning architectures for CV

4. CV Applications in Construction

4.1 Crack detection and classification

4.2 Corrosion assessment

4.3 Displacement monitoring

4.4 Real-time structural deformation analysis

Part III: Vision-Language Models

5. Foundation of Vision-Language Models

5.1 Multimodal learning

5.2 Visual transformers

5.3 Large language models in construction

5.4 Cross-modal attention mechanisms

6. VLM Applications

6.1 Defect description and reporting

6.2 Automated inspection documentation

6.3 Natural language interfaces for monitoring

6.4 Multimodal damage assessment

Part IV: Implementation and Evaluation

7. Evaluation Metrics

7.1 Performance metrics for CV systems

7.2 Accuracy and precision measures

7.3 Reliability assessment

7.4 Cost-benefit analysis

8. Data Collection and Management

8.1 Sensor networks and IoT integration

8.2 Data acquisition protocols

8.3 Quality assurance

8.4 Storage and processing infrastructure

Part V: Advanced Topics

9. Automation Systems

9.1 Robotic inspection systems

9.2 Drone-based monitoring

9.3 Edge computing applications

9.4 Real-time monitoring systems

10. AI and Machine Learning

10.1 Predictive maintenance

10.2 Anomaly detection

10.3 Pattern recognition

10.4 Decision support systems

Part VI: Practical Considerations

11. Implementation Guidelines

11.1 System design and architecture

11.2 Integration with existing infrastructure

11.3 Cost considerations

11.4 Training requirements

12. Case Studies

12.1 Bridge monitoring systems

12.2 Building inspection applications

12.3 Infrastructure maintenance projects

12.4 Success stories and lessons learned

Part VII: Future Directions

13. Emerging Technologies

13.1 Advanced sensor technologies

13.2 5G and beyond

13.3 Quantum computing applications

13.4 Extended reality in SHM

14. Research Opportunities

14.1 Current challenges

14.2 Future research directions

14.3 Potential breakthroughs

14.4 Industry trends

Product details

  • Edition: 1
  • Latest edition
  • Published: May 1, 2026
  • Language: English

About the authors

CL

Cheng Liu

Dr. Liu received his PhD from the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Stanford University and an M.Sc. in Aeronautics and Astronautics, also from Stanford University. Cheng Liu's research is focused on physics-guided machine learning for structural health monitoring (SHM), smart structures, cyber-physical systems/digital twin, robotic tactile sensing and the mechanics of composite structures. His recent research includes the fusion of data-driven and physics-based methods for SHM to improve its robustness and explainability, so that SHM can really be widely applied in real-world scenarios
Affiliations and expertise
City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong

YZ

Yingchao Zhang

Yingchao Zhang is currently pursuing a PhD degree in Systems Engineering at the City University of Hong Kong. He received his bachelor's and master’s degrees in civil engineering from Shandong University. His main research interest is in intelligent detection of transport infrastructure
Affiliations and expertise
City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong

XX

Xuebing Xu

Xuebing Xu is currently pursuing a PhD degree in Systems Engineering at the City University of Hong Kong. He received his bachelor's and master’s degrees from Huazhong University of Science and Technology. His main research includes the development and application of vision language models and large language models
Affiliations and expertise
City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong

YC

Yan Chen

Yan Chen is currently pursuing a PhD degree in Systems Engineering at the City University of Hong Kong. He received his bachelor's from the National University of Defense Technology, China, and a masters degree from the City University of Hong Kong. His main research includes the development and application of deep learning and large language models
Affiliations and expertise
City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong